Myrtus communis aka Myrtle
Taxonomy
Common names
Myrtle, Common Myrtle, Greek Myrtle, True MyrtleHow to care for Myrtle
Difficulty
If you're an experienced gardener looking to push your limits, Myrtle will provide you with a rewarding and challenging experience.
Water
Myrtle should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Myrtle loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
Lighting
To ensure optimal growth, the Myrtle prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
Dormancy
During the wintertime, it is common for Myrtle plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.
Toxicity
No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.
Fertilizer
Once the Myrtle has doubled in size or after a year has passed, it should be moved to a new pot. By replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the vital nutrients, your plant will receive all the sustenance it needs, negating the requirement for fertilizer. It's important to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.
Region of origin
Myrtle’s native range is S. Europe to W. Asia.
More info:
Wikipedia